2S7 Pion

203-mm self-propelled gun

The 2S7 Pion
self-propelled gun is the most powerful conventional artillery
system in the world

Entered service

late 1970s

Crew

7 + 7 men

Dimensions and weight

Weight

46 t

Length (gun forward)

13.1 m

Hull length

10.5 m

Width

3.38
m

Height

3 m

Armament

Main gun

203-mm

Barrel length

?

Machine guns

-

Projectile weight

110 kg

Maximum firing range

37.5 - 47.5 km

Maximum rate of fire

1.5 rpm

Elevation range

- 0 to + 60 degrees

Traverse range

30 degrees

Ammunition load

Main gun

4 + 4 rounds

Machine guns

-

Mobility

Engine

V-46-1 diesel

Engine power

750 hp

Maximum road speed

51 km/h

Range

500 km

Maneuverability

Gradient

40%

Side slope

20%

Vertical step

0.7 m

Trench

2.5 m

Fording

1.2 m

The 2S7 Pion
203-mm self-propelled gun entered service with the Soviet Army in
late 1970s. Currently it is in service with Russia, Belarus, Georgia
and Ukraine. It is the most powerful conventional artillery system
in the world. It was designed to engage remote and important enemy
targets, such as command posts.

The 2S7 Pion
is armed with a powerful 203-mm gun, fitted with a load assisting
system. It fires ordinary and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectiles,
chemical and nuclear projectiles. Ordinary HE-FRAG projectile
weights 110 kg and contains 17.8 kg of explosives. It has a maximum
range of 37.5 km. The rocket-assisted projectile weights 103 kg and
contains 13.8 kg of explosives. It has a maximum range of 47.5 kg.
Ammunition load of the 2S7 Pion consists of only 8 rounds. Only 4
rounds are carried by this artillery system, remaining 4 rounds are
carried by escorting vehicle. Maximum rate of fire is 1.5 rounds per
minute.

Brief out-of-action time allows Pion to fire 1 or 2 rounds and leave firing
position before the first round hits target located 47 km away. This
shoot-and-scoot capability allows to avoid counter-battery fire.

The 2S7 Pion
has a crew of 14, however 7 men are seated inside the vehicle and
remaining are carried by escorting truck or armored personnel
carrier.

The 2S7 uses
specially for this vehicle developed tracked chassis, with a number
of automotive components of the
T-72
and T-80 main battle tanks. It is
powered by a V-46-1 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 750 horsepower.
Vehicle is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, developing 24
hp and powering all systems when the main engine is shut down.

Variants

2S7M Malka,
improved variant of the 2S7 Pion, sometimes referred as Pion-M. It
has improved rate of fire to 2.5 rounds per minute. It also carries
8 rounds of ammunition instead of 4. The 2S7M Malka entered service with
the Soviet Army in 1983.